Ford has issued a recall for nearly 43,000 SUVs due to potential fuel injector issues, leading to fuel leakage onto hot engine surfaces and increasing the risk of fire. The affected vehicles include certain models of Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, as well as Escape SUVs from 2022, all equipped with 1.5-liter engines.
According to documents filed with U.S. safety regulators, Ford has identified the risk of cracked fuel injectors, which can allow fuel or vapor to accumulate near ignition sources, potentially leading to fires. To address this issue, dealers will install a tube to redirect fuel away from hot surfaces beneath the vehicle. Additionally, engine control software will be updated to detect pressure drops in the fuel injection system. In the event of such a drop, the software will disable the high-pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power, and lower temperatures in the engine compartment.
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Owners of affected vehicles were scheduled to receive notification letters starting April 1st. Although Ford has received reports of five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors, there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue.
In response to concerns about the effectiveness of the recall remedy, Ford has stated that it is confident the repairs will prevent future failures and protect customers. The updated software will also activate a dashboard warning light, allowing drivers to safely pull over and arrange for service if necessary.
Ford has pledged to extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, ensuring that affected owners receive replacements as needed. Repairs are already available, with details of the extended warranty set to be released in June.
This recall follows a similar one issued in 2022 for the same issue. Ford assures that the repair has been thoroughly tested on previously recalled vehicles and that no problems have been reported.
While some critics have labeled the recall remedy as insufficient, Ford maintains that it is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring customer safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will closely monitor the performance of the recall through field data.
Owners with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their dealership or Ford directly. However, critics argue that NHTSA should have more authority to ensure that recalls effectively address root causes rather than opting for less-costly repairs.